Bobbitt pleads guilty

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

File photo: David Bobbitt motions to reporters in Penticton.

David Bobbitt pled guilty to all seven of the counts he was facing in a Penticton courtroom on Monday.

Following Bobbitt's entry of the pleas, via video, Justice Geoff Barrow said he was satisfied the accused was guilty of the offenses to which he entered the pleas.

A bald and bearded Bobbitt showed little emotion during the video appearance.

Only after he had pleaded guilty, did he ask to speak to his  lawyer James Pennington by phone.

The next date on the matter, set by Barrow, is July 22 to fix a date, either for a hearing for long term offender status or dangerous offender, depending on an assessment of Bobbitt.

If the assessment says he won't be a long term offender, it goes straight to sentencing.

Bobbitt was facing charges including attempted murder, aggravated assault and unlawful confinement or imprisonment related to an incident on July 31, 2011.

On that date, Bobbitt, the operator of Dave’s Second Hand Store on Ellis Street, tied up, confined and sexually assaulted a 22-year-old woman at the location. Her toddler was found unharmed nearby.

After a Canada wide warrant was issued for Bobbitt, an orchardist in the Oliver area saw him setting up camp on his property on Aug. 3.  The man contacted the RCMP leading to his arrest.

The young woman who was seriously injured in the assault, quickly received the support of family members and the entire community.

The woman cannot be identified as a publication ban is in place. Family members in court on Monday, wept, as Bobbitt entered the series of guilty pleas.

One family member, said she was glad the pleas has finally been entered as she left the courtroom.